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Lessons
on the
Word and Spirit.
FOR SENIOR CLASSES..
•
December 31,1892,
to March 25, 1893.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
THE
object of this series of lessons is that we may learn
what the word of God is, and what blessings may come
to us through it. They are not prepared in order to prove
that the Bible is true, but are intended for those who
believe that it is the word of God, and they are designed
to bring out and illustrate what it says about itself.
It is hoped, therefore, that they will enlarge the under-
standing, and strengthen the faith of those who do be-
lieve. We should have the same confidence in what the
word of God says about itself as in what it teaches upon
any other subject, and we should always remember" that
the Scripture is given to instruct our reason, and not to
be judged by it. We are to believe what God says to us,
not because we can understand it and see the reason for
it, but because God says so. When we demand a full
understanding of every statement before accepting it, we
exalt ourselves to an equality with God, bring him
down to our level, and make him such as ourselves.
When the matter is viewed properly, the mysteries of
the Bible are among the strong proofs that it is the word
of God. Our attitude should always be, "Speak, Lord,
(
3
)
4
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
for thy servant heareth ;" but our hearing should be with
the purpose of yielding to it. God says that he looks to
him who trembleth at his word. Reverence and humil-
ity should characterize us while we wait in the audience
chamber of the great Creator, to hear his word.
The plan of develophg the lesson differs somewhat
from that which has heretofore been adopted, and this is
done with a purpose. The design is to encourage the
study of the scriptures used as the basis of the lesson,
and others related to
.
them, for spiritual benefit, rather
than merely to learn the lesson to recite it. One who
gets the
subject
in mind will have no difficulty in answer-
ing any question properly connected with it. Each
teacher can make such use of the notes as he wishes.
Questions can be framed covering the thoughts presented
if that is deemed to be desirable. The "suggestive
questions" will open the way for further work when it
may be thought profitable.
liESSON I.—beeember
31, 1892.
THE WORD OF GOD.
NOTE.—Before attempting to answer the questions asked upon any
text, read the text carefu:ly several times, noticing the
connection.
1. Questions on 1 These. 2 :13.
'1. With what is the word of God contrasted ?
2.
How much difference is there between the two ?
3.
What does the word of God do ?
4.
Upon what condition does it work?
5.
Does it make any difference how we receive the
word? How much?
II.
Questions on lea. 55 :8-11.
1.
What are words intended to convey ?
2.
How much difference is there between God's
thoughts and man's thoughts?
'LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT. '
3.
How much difference, then, will there be between
God's word and man's word?
4.
What definite results are produced by rain and
snow?
5.
What comparison is made between these agencies
and God's word?
6.
How must the word be received in order that it
may accomplish such results?
!II. Questions on Heb. 4:12, Revised Ver-
sion.
1.
What characteristics of God's word are here men-
tioned ?
2.
Are these true of man's word? Show the differ-
ence quite fully.
IV. Questions on John 1 :1-4.
1.
Who is meant by the Word ?
2.
Why is He called the Word?
3.
What is found in Him?
NOTES.
1.
PAUL knew whom he had believed (2 Tim. 1: 12), and
was aware that it made a great difference how the word
was received (1 Cor. 2: 4, 5). The difference between
God's word and man's word is just as great as the differ-
ence between God and man, which is simply infinite.
See Ps. 146 : 3 ; Isa. 26 : 4 ; 1 Cor. 1 : 25. God's word
works in those who
believe it as God's word.
The gospel
"is the power of God unto salvation
to everyone that be-
lieveth"
(Rom. 1: 16), and the word of the Lord is preached
by the gospel (1 Peter 1 : 25), but it must be believed in
order to be of profit (Heb. 4 : 2).
2.
MAN puts his own thoughts into words (Luke 6 : 45),
and what one man has thus clothed with language, an-
other man can study out, and so exhaust his meaning.
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT'
Not so with God's word. His words contain a depth of
meaning which only his Spirit can reveal to us (1 Cor. 2 :
11, 12), and for this purpose was the Spirit promised (John
16: 13 ; 1 Cor. 2 : 10). As rain and snow are sent upon
the earth to accomplish definite results, so God sends his
word (Ps 107: 20; Matt. 8: 8). It is sent to bring salva-
tion (Acts 13: 26; James 1: 21), and it will accomplish
this for all who receive it. As the land is made fruitful
by receiving the rain (Heb. 6 : 7), so God will cause right-
eousness to spring forth (Isa. 61: 11). When spoken faith-
fully the word will have a powerful effect (Jer. 23 : 28, 29),
and it is able to build up (Acts 20 : 32) those who receive
it.
3.
THE
Revised Version of Heb. 4 : 12 is as follows: " For
the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than
any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing
of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick
to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart." The
words of God are not only living words, but they are
spirit and life (John 6 : 63) to those who believe them.
Life seems to belong to everything that is associated with
God. He not only has life in himself (John 5 : 26) but
his throne is a living throne (Ezekiel 1). Besides this we
have the word of life (Phil. 2: 16), the breath of life
(Gen. 2: 7), the bread of life (John 6: 48), the river of
life, and the tree of life (Rev. 22 : 1, 2). The word is the
sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6: 17), for the Spirit dwells in
the word (compare James 1: 18 and 1 Peter 1: 23 with
John 3 : 5), and so it'is said of Christ, who spoke for God
(John 3 : 34), that a sharp two-edged sword went out of
his mouth (Rev. 1: 16).
4.
CHRIST is called the Word of God (Rev. 19 : 11-13),
not only because he spake the words of God (Dent. 18 :
18; John 17 : 8), but also because he was a living procla-
mation to the world of the character of God (2 Con 5:
LESSONS ON TEE WORD AND SPIRIT.
7
-
19; John 14 : 9, 10). The mystery of the incarnation,
God with us (Matt. 1 : 23), divinity veiled in humanity,
is repeated in.the word in which the divine Spirit dwells
in human language. " The union of the divine and the
human, manifest in Christ, exists also in the Bible. The
truths revealed are all `given by inspiration of God;'
yet they are expressed in the words of men, and are
adapted to human needs. Thus it may be said of the
Book of God, as it was of Christ, that `the Word was
made flesh, and dwelt among us.' And this fact, so far
from being an argument against the Bible, should
strengthen faith in it as the word of God. Those who
pronounce upon the inspiration of the Scriptures, accept-
ing some portions as divine, while they reject other parts
as human, overlook the fact that Christ, the divine, par-
took of our human nature, that he might reach human-
ity. In the work of God for man's redemption, divinity
and humanity are combined." As Christ is a personal
Saviour (Gal. 2: 20), so God's word is given to each one
as an individual. "The relations between God and each
soul are as distinct and full as though there were not an-
other soul for whom he gave his beloved Son." His word
is to be regarded by each one as though he were the only
one to whom God had thus spoken.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
1.
How should the Bible be studied ?
2.
Should the Bible be studied daily? Why?
3.
Can the unlearned receive help from God's word?
Why ?
4.
Can the educated exhaust it? Why?
52 Who will receive the greatest benefit from the word
of God ?
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
9
(2 Peter 3 : 15, 16) that some wrest the epistles of Paul as
they do
other scriptures.
Paul writes to the Corinthians
(1 Cor. 14 : 37), demanding that he who is a prophet or
spiritual should acknowledge that the things which he
writes are the commandments of the Lord. The words
spoken by the prophets and the commandment of the
Lord through the apostle (2 Peter 3 : 2, Revised Version)
are to have equal authority. Thus
"all Scripture"
is given
by inspiration of God (God-breathed). It is entirely un-
necessary to construct any theory of inspiration. We
simply know that all Scripture is inspired of God. It
may be well to note, however, that there can be no such
thing as different degrees of inspiration. Such a view
destroys the authority of God's word and gives to each
one a Bible made by himself. Having been tried at the
bar of his own reason, it contains only that authority
which he has allowed to it. The historical books, as well
as the prophetic books, are inspired. A prophet is one
who speaks for God (John 1 : 23 ; Luke 7 : 28), and it
makes no.difference whether he is dealing with the past
or future. It requires inspiration to select such events of
history as will convey valuable lessons to
all
persons for
all
time, and make an absolutely truthful record of them,
just as it requires inspiration to tell what will happen in
the future. This inspired history is full of comfort for
us (Rom. 15 : 4). These things
happened
to them, but
are
written
for us (1 Cor. 10 : 11), that we might have the les-
sons from
their
experiences rather than from similar ones
of our own.
2. TEE Revised Version of 2 Peter 1: 21 may make the
meaning clearer: "For no prophecy ever came by the
will of man ; but men spake from God, being moved by
the Holy Ghost." The word " prophecy " covers the
same ground as the word " Scripture." What was called
the Scripture was known under three general divisions
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
Ii
3.
Are the
,
ivriters
inspired ?
4.
Does the infallibility pertain to the man or to the
inspired writing?
5.
Is it essential that we should be able to determine
the names of the writers of the Scripture?
6.
How can inspired history be made most profitable
to us?
LtEssON M.—January
14, 1893.
POWER OF GOD'S WORD.
I. Questions on Ps. 33:6-9.
1.
How were the heavens made?
2.
In what two ways is the idea expressed ?
3.
Why is the earth to fear the Lord?
4.
How was his great power manifested?
11. Questions on Heb. 1 1 :3.
1.
How were the worlds framed ?
2.
How do we know this?
3.
Out of what were the things made which are now
seen?
111. Questions on 2 Peter 3:5-7.
1.
How were the heavens of old?
2.
Is there any need of ignorance concerning this
fact?
3.
How are the present heavens and earth kept in
store ?
IV. Questions on Heb. 1 :3.
1.
To whom is reference made in this verse ?
2.
How is his word designated?
3.
What is accomplished by this word?
12
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
NOTES.
1.
IT iS very important that we should have a correct
understanding of the power of God's word in creation,
in order to appreciate his power in redemption. The
current teaching upon this subject has dcne much to un-
dermine faith in God's word and its power He simply
spake and "it was" (Ps. 33: 9), he commanded and " it
standeth" (Young's translation). The breath of God's
mouth is a breath of life (Gen. 2 : 7 ; Job 33 : 41. It has
the same creative power as his word (compare Job 37 :
10 and Ps. 147: 15-17). So his word, which is life (John
6 : 63), is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3: 16, Young's translation).
In the record of creation we read (Gen. 1 : 3, 6, 9, 11, 14,
20, 24) that at each step in the work "God said" let it be
so and "it was so." He made "light to shine out of
darkness"
(2 Cor. 4: 6) by calling for it (Gen. 1 : 3). The
true God is distinguished by this creative power (Ps. 95 :
4, 5), and the call to worship him is based upon the
same reason (Rev. 14 : 7). That "science falsely so
called" (1 Tim. 6: 20) which teaches that only a force
and not a person is the creator, and that an indefinite
period of time was required to accomplish the work, has
struck at the very foundation of true Christianity by
weakening the faith in the power of God's word, and de-
stroying the foundation for the Bible Sabbath. (Read
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chap. 9.)
2.
IT is only through faith that we can know anything
about the work of creation. We can only know the
things which he has revealed (Deut. 29: 29) by believing
them. Thus our knowledge of these things is the result
of our faith, and not our faith the result of our knowl-
edge. The fact of creation, however, is constantly before
us, and "the things that are made" bear testimony daily
to "his eternal power and Godhead" (Rom. 1: 20). So
God's glory is manifested to us (Pi. 19 :1), and we are
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
15
forfeited by sin (Eph. 2 : 1). Death has been abolished
and life brought to light through the gospel (2 Tim. 1:
10), which is the power of God (Rom. 1 : 16), and the
basis of which is his word (1 Peter 1: 25). This word is
life, and when received as the word of God (1 Thess. 2:
13) it begets new life in the believer. The word is both
spirit
and
life
(John 6 : 63) ; and so the Spirit is spoken of
as the agency in the new birth. "Like the wind, which
is invisible, yet the effects of which are plainly seen and
felt, is the Spirit of God in its work upon the human
heart. That regenerating power, which no human eye
can see, begets a new life in the soul; it creates a new
being in the image of God." This work is beyond the
power of man to accomplish (John 1: 13), and everyone
in whom it is wrought is said to know God (1 John 4 : 7),
or to be known of God (Gal. 4 : 9), and to be born of God
(1 John 5: 1, 18). Thus, to know God is eternal life
(John 17 : 3), and through this knowledge blessings are
multiplied to us (2 Peter 1 : 2). In this knowledge one
may glory (Jer. 9: 23, 24). God's Spirit is a spirit of
knowledge (Isa. 11 : 2), and is given to guide us into all
truth (John 16 : 13), and is superior to any merely human
teacher (1 John 2: 27) ; but it works through the word in
which it dwells. It is in this way that it defeats the en-
emy (Isa. 59 : 19), and witnesses to our acceptance with
God (Rom. 8 : 16) by bringing the word of God to our re-
membrance (John 14 : 26).
2. WATER is used as a symbol of cleansing (1 Peter 3:
21) ; but the power is in the word (Eph. 5 : 25-27), by
which we are made clean (John 15 : 3), through the spirit
which dwells in it (Titus 3 : 5). Christ is also called the
Word (John 1: 1), and in 'him is life (John 1 : 4 ; 5 : 26)
and the power to give life (1 Cor. 15 : 45, Revised Version).
So when we receive him, which is done by believing on
him (John 1 : 12 ; Eph. 3 : 17), we have life (1 John 5 :
16
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT
12), Christ himself dwelling in us (Gal. 2 : 20) by his word
(Col. 3 : 16). So we feed upon him (John 6 : 57) in study-
ing his word (Jer. 15: 16). Thus the same Word, by
which all things were created in the beginning, begets by
the same power a new life in the believer.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
1.
What bearing does the teaching of this lesson have
upon the question of conditional immortality?
2.
How does this lesson enforce the importance of con-
stant study of the Bible?
3.
What things only can be brought to our remem-
brance?
4.
What great evil has resulted from the abuse of that
invention which has made cheap Bibles possible?
5.
Why has an effort been made to fill the mind with
the words of men?
LtESSON
V.—January 28, 1893.
POWER OF GOD'S WORD—Continued.
1. Questions on Eph. 4 :20-24.
1.
Whom had "the faithful in Christ Jesus " learned ?
2.
How had they been taught the truth ?
3.
What were they to put off?
4.
How were they to be renewed?
5.
What were they to put on ?
6.
What contrast is drawn between " the old man"
and "the new man" ?
ii. Questions on Col. 3: 8-11.
1.
What evil habits, here mentioned, are to be dis-
carded ?
2.
What reason is given for this exhortation?
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
17
3.
What description is given of "the new man" ?
4.
Is any distinction of race or condition recognized
after this change?
5.
Who is all and in all?
III. Questions on Ps. 51 :6-10.
1.
Where does God desire truth?
2.
Under what figures does David ask for cleansing?
3.
From whom does he seek comfort?
4.
What request does he make concerning his sins
and his iniquities?
5.
How can he have a clean heart, a right spirit?
NOTE.
MAN was originally created in God's image' (Gen. 1 : 27),
" perfect in his being and in harmony with God," but his
nature became changed through transgression. The whole
purpose of the plan of salvation is that the linage of God
may be restored in the soul and the creature again be in
harmony with the Creator.. Sin has brought enmity
(Rom 8: 7), but God's purpose is peace
.
(Jer. 29: 11)
through Christ (Eph. 2 : 14). But the heart is the source
of evil (Mark 7 : 21-23), which separates from God (Isa.
59 : 2), and man cannot of himself change it (Job 14 : 4)
and do good (Jer. 13 : 23). There must be a death of the
body of sin (Rom. 6 : 6), a burial (verse 4), and a new life
unto God (verse 11) through Christ. A complete change
is wrought (2 Cor. 5 : 17), which is nothing less than cre-
ation (Gal. 6 : 15, Revised Version, margin). Then good
works can be done (Eph. 2 : 10) through the power work-
ing in us (Col. 1 : 29), which is God in Christ (Phil. 2 : 13),
and which is the same power that gives life to the dead
(Eph. 1: 19, 20). Thus redemption is simply "a new
creation," and the gospel is the same creative power
manifested in salvation (Rom. 1 : 16). But we have
learned that this creative power is in God's word (lesson
Is
,LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT
3), and it is equally true whether applied to the crea-
tion of a world or a new heart. Through faith in his
promises our natures may be changed (2 Peter 1: 4) by
the power of his word. Our ground of hope is that our
Creator is our Redeemer (read Isaiah 43 and 44), and he
is our Strength (Isa. 26: 4) and our Salvation (Isa. 12: 2).
When he speaks righteousness in place of sin (Rom. 3:
25), and "is declaring righteous" the ungodly (Rom. 4:
5, Young's translation), we are to believe in the power of
his word supplying the fact. " God makes a man right-
eous by counting him so. This is the divine paradox of
justification by faith."
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
1.
Why was it impossible for an angel to redeem the
world ?
2.
What institution reminds us of God's creative
power?
3.
Is it surprising that one who "exalteth himself above
all that is called God" should attempt to establish a rival
institution ?
4.
To whom does the Sabbath mean the most?
5.
How may the Sabbath be a constant encouragement
to us in Christian experience?
LESSON
VI.—Febritlary 4, 1893.
POWER OF GOD S WORD—Continued.
I. Questions on Matt. 8:5-13.
1.
Where did this event occur?
2.
Whose servant was sick ?
3.
Where was he?
4.
What was the disease?
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
21
saints (Matt. 25 : 34), and they will meet the Lord in the
air (1 Thess. 4 : 17). All the miracles were recorded for a
purpose (John 20: 31), and should lead to unshaken con-
fidence in the power of God's word manifested in salva-
tion.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
1.
How can the miracles, which Satan will have pcwer
to perform be distinguished from those wrought by the
power of God's word ?
2.
What relation have "Faith Cures," "Christian Sci-
ence," etc., to this subject?
3.
How will the present treatment of God's word by
eminent men prepare the people for the "false revivals"
of the last days ?
LtESsON VII.
--February
11, 1893.
THE' SPIRIT BELONGS TO THE SONS OF GOD.
I. Questions on John 1 : 11-13.
1.
To whom did Christ come ?
2.
With what result?
3.
Did any receive him?
4.
What dicl he give to them ?
5.
Of whom were they born?
6.
Was this the natural birth?
II. Questions on Gal 4 4-6.
1.
When did God send forth his Son?
2.
How was he born?
3.
Why was he so born?
4.
What are we to receive ?
5.
Why is the Spirit sent into our hearts?
6.
What does it cry ?
22
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
III. Questions
on Acts 2 : 37-39.
1.
What had the people heard?
2.
What result followed ?
3.
What inquiry did they make?
4.
What two duties were enjoined?
5.
What gift was promised?
6.
To whom was the promise made?
NOTES.
1.
No attempt will be made in these lessons to define
the Holy Spirit. The subject will be considered from
the practical rather than from the theoretical side.
We know that it is omnipresent. Ps. 139: 7-12. We
know that it is the.eternal Spirit. Heb. 9 : 14. We know
that it is the Comforter (John 14 : 26), and the Spirit of
truth (John 15: 26). These names are given because
there is comfort in the truth. It is of much more im-
portance to us that we receive the Spirit than that we try
to discern what it is. " Holy Ghost " and " Holy Spirit "
are from the same original words, and seem to be used
interchangeably in the King James' Version. The Amer-
ican members of the Revision Committee desired to use
in all cases the term " Holy Spirit."
2.
FAITH in Christ makes us children of God (Gal. 3 :
26), and the Spirit is given because we are sons (Gal. 4:
6) ; ,and so Paul asked the believers if they had received
the Holy Spirit (Acts 19 : 2). All things are ours (1 Cor.
3: 22), but God does not give spiritual blessings against
our will, and so we are to ask (Matt. 7 : 7) for the Spirit,
with the assurance that he will give willingly (Luke 11:
13'. This the disciples did (Acts 1 : 5, 14), and their re-
quest was granted (Acts 2 : 4). The promise that was ful-
filled to them (Joel 2 : 28, 29) is for us also. The posses-
sion of the Spirit irdicah
,
s a union with God (1 John 3:
24; 4 : 13),
,
and no one can be Christ's without it (Rom. 8:
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
23
9).
Christ bestowed it upon his disciples (John 20 : 21,
22), and we are exhorted to be filled with it (Eph. 5 : 18).
We receive it by faith. Gal. 3 : 2.
" Just prior to his leaving his disciples for the heavenly
courts, Jesus encouraged them with the promise of the
Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to us as much as it
did to them, and yet how rarely is it presented before the
people, and its reception spoken of in the church. In
consequence of this silence upon this mast important
theme, what promise do we know less about by its prac-
tical fulfillment than this rich promise of the gift of the
Holy Spirit, whereby efficiency is to be gi/en to all our
spiritual labor? This promised blessing, if claimed by
faith, would bring all other blessings in its train, and it
is to be given liberally to the people of God. Through
the cunning devices of the enemy the minds of God's
people seem to be incapable of comprehending and ap-
propriating the promises of God. They seem to think
that only the scantiest showers of grace are to fall upon
the thirsty soul. . . . The power of God awaits their
demand and reception. . . .
"The Christian must build upon the foundation if he
would build a strong, symmetrical character, if he would
be well balanced in his religious experience. It is in this
way that the man will be prepared to meet the demands
of truth and righteousness, as they are represented in the
Bible; for he will be sustained and energized by the Holy
Spirit of God. He who is a true Christian combines great
tenderness of feeling with great firmness of purpose, with
unswerving fidelity to God ; he will in no case become
the betrayer of sacred trusts. He who is endowed with
the Holy Spirit has great capacities of heart and intellect,
with strength of will and purpose that is unconquerable."
—Mrs. E. G. White,
24
LESSONS ON THE WORD .eLVD SPIRIT..
ItESSON VIII.—February 18,1893.
OPERATIONS OF THE SPIRIT.
I. Questions on John 16:7-14.
1.
What did Christ promise to send ?
2.
Of What things would the Comforter convince the
world?
3. Why of sin?
4.
Why of righteousness?
5.
Why of judgment?
6.
What prevented Christ from saying many things
to his disciples?
7.
What did he say the Spirit would do?
8.
Of what would the Comforter speak?
9.
What things would the Comforter show?
10.
Who would be glorified?
11.
What would be shown?
H. Questions on 1 Cor. 2:9-14.
1.
Can the human mind imagine what God is pre-
paring for his children?
2.
How does God reveal them?
3.
Why can the Spirit do this?
4.
How can the things of man be known?
5.
How can the things of God be known?
6.
What spirit had Paul received?
7.
Why was it given?
8.
How did lie speak?
9.
What are the things of God to the natural man?
10.
Why can he not know them?
III. Questions on 1 Cor. 12:7-13.
1.
For what general purpose is the Spirit given to
every man?
2.
What nine gifts of the Spirit are mentioned ?
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
3.
What worketh all these gifts?
4.
How are these gifts divided?
5.
What illustration of unity is used?
•
6. How are all baptized?
7. Of what have all been made to drink?
NOTE.'
Somn of the operations of the Spirit are brought out
in this lesson. God's Spirit dwells in his word (compare
John 3 : 5 with James 1 : 18 and 1 Peter 1: 23), and it is
through this agency that it reproves the
-
world. The
Spirit is an instructor (Neh. 9: 23), to teach all things
(John 14 : 26), according to the promise (John 6: 45), and
to testify of Christ (John 15: 26). It is the agent in in-
spiration (2 Peter 1: 21), testified in the prophets (1 Peter
1 : 11), and is to speak in those who are persecuted (Matt.
10: 19, 20). Through the word it witnesses that we are
the children of God (Bom. 8 : 16) and lifts up a standard
against the enemy (Isa. 59 : 19). The Spirit strives with
men (Gen. 6: 3), helps in prayer (Born. 8: 26; Jude 20;
Eph. 6: 18), and guides them in the right way (Isa. 30:
21). It renews (Titus 3 : 5), quickens (1 Peter 3: 18), and
sanctifies (2 Thess. 2: 13). The practical importance of
receiving the Spirit is apparent, as we see the part which
it acts in God's purpose concerning man.
"The Holy Spirit exalts.and glorifies the Saviour. It
is his office to present Christ, the purity of his righteous-
ness, and the great salvation that we have through him.
Jesus says, `He shall receive of mine, and shall show it
unto you.' The Spirit of truth is the only effectual
teacher of divine truth. How must God esteem the hu-
man race, since he gave his Son to die for them, and ap-
points his Spirit to be man's teacher and continual guide."
—Steps to Christ, page 105.
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
29
ing power which no human eye can see, begets a new life
in the soul ; it creates a new being in the image of God."
To know God (John 17 : 3), or to be known of him (Gal.
4 : 9), involves that idea of that generative power of the
Holy Spirit which creates a new heart (Ps. 51: 10). The
birth of Christ, in whom God was manifested (2 Cor. 5:
19), and who is God with us (Matt.
1:
25), was due to the
Holy Spirit (Luke 1: 35) ; so we are begotten of God
through his word (James 1 : 18), are born of his Spirit
(John 3 : 3, 5), are sons now (1 John 3 : 1, 2), receive power
by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1: 8). Religion is not a mere
sentiment, but a life ; and the mystery of godliness (or
the "secret of piety " ) is that as God dwelt and worked
in Christ (John 14 : 10), and in him condemned sin in the
flesh (Rom. 8 : 3), so Christ shall dwell in us (Eph. 3 : 17),
and live in us (Gal. 2 : 20), being with us always (Matt.
28: 20), enabling us to do all things (Phil. 4: 13). All
this new life and power come through the Holy Spirit
(Eph. 3 : 16), which is to dwell in us (John 14 : 17). Thus
it was that after Christ left his disciples, "their union
with him was closer than when he was personally with
them." Thus we become a habitation of God (Eph. 2:
22), a spiritual house (1 Peter 2: 5; Heb. 3: 6), a temple
of God in which he dwells (2 Cor. 6 :16).
LtESSOI
1
/
4
1 X.—IV1areh 4, 1893.
THE SPIRIT AS A SEAL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
t. Questions on Rom. 4 8-11.
1.
Who is pronounced blessed ?
2.
What two classes are mentioned in the first in-
quiry ?
3.
How did Abraham attain to righteousness?
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND ST.TRTT.
29
LESSON XL—Mareh
11, 1893.
THE EFFECTS OF THE SPIRIT.
I. Questiong on Gal. 5:16-25.
1.
What admonition'is first given?
2.
What follows as a consequence?
3.
How are the desires of the flesh and Spirit con-
trasted?
4.
What is the result of this opposition?
5.
What is true of those led by the -Spirit?
6.
Mention the works of the flesh.
7.
What happens to those who do such things?
8.
What is the fruit of the Spirit?
9.
What has been done by those who are Christ's?
10.
What is the closing exhortation?
11.
Questions on Rom. 8 :9-17.
1.
What is true if the Spirit of God dwells in one?
2.
What if he has not the Spirit?
3.
If
Christ is in us, what is dead? , Why ?
4.
What is life? Why?
5.
On what condition will our mortal bodies be
quickened?
6.
How will this be done ?
7.
What conclusion is then drawn?
8.
What consequence follows living after the flesh?
9.
On what condition shall we live?
10.
Who are sons of God?
11.
Have we received the spirit of bondage?
12.
What Spirit have we received?
13.
To what does this Spirit bear witness?
14.
What consequences follow from our adoption?
NOTES.
1. "WHILE the work of the Spirit is silent and impercep-
Jo .
LESSONS ON TIIE WORD AND SPIRIT.
tible, its effects are manifest. If the heart has been re-
newed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness to
the fact." " Our lives will reveal whether the grace of
God is dwelling in us."• "And wherever the life of God
is in the hearts of men, it wilt flow out to others in love
and blessing " Love is of God (1 John 4 : 17, Revised
Version), and comes to us by the Spirit (Rom. 5 : 5).
"The excellence and value of pure love consist in its
efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else but good"
(Rom. 13: 10; 1 Cor. 13 : 4-7, Revised Version). Christ
desires us to have joy (John 15: 11), and has given us
peace (John 14 : 27), which is really giving us himself
(Eph. 2 : 14 \ , and both these gifts are in the Holy Spirit
(Rom. 14 : 17). Those who are renewed after the image
of God (Col. 3: 10) will exhibit long-suffering (verse 12),
will be gentle (2 Tim. 2 : 24), and yet will be great (2 Sam..
22 : 36).
2. GOD anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:
38), so he went about doing good. Our present need is
the same anointing (Rev..3 : 18). Where the Spirit of
God is, there is unity (Eph. 4 : 3, 4) and liberty (2 Cor. 3 :
17). We are to walk worthy of our calling (Eph. 4: 1),
which means to walk according to the Spirit (Rom. 8 : 1,
4).
The Spirit being one of power (Rom. 15 : 13, 19), and
life (Rom. 8 :2), and Christ being a life-giving spirit (1
Cor. 15: 45, Revised Version; John 5 : 21), we are strong
in him (Eph. 6: 10), and not in our own might (Zech.
4 : 6). The gospel is to be preached with the Holy Spirit
(1 Peter 1: 12 ; 1 Thess. 1: 5), not in man's wisdc
-
ta (1 Cot
2 : 4) ; and thus the minister of God is. approved (2 Cor.
6: 4). "It is the absence of the Holy Spirit and of the
grace of God that makes the gospel ministry so powerless
to convict and convert." Such are some of the ways in
which the Holy Spirit will manifest itself in those who
receive it.
LRSSOVS Ov TITE WORD ,I .VD SPIRIT.
Si
LESSON XII.—rilareh 18,1893.
THE SPIRIT IN THE NEW COVENANT.
I. Questions on Jer. 31:31-34.
1: What did the Lord promise to make?
2.
With whom?
3.
With what covenant is this compared?
4, Where will he put his law ?
5. Where will he write it?
6. What will he be?
7. What will it be unnecessary to teach?
8. Why unnecessary ?
9. What will he do concerning iniquity?
10. Concerning sin ?
II Questions on Gal. 4:22-31.
1.
How many sons had Abraham?
2.
By whom?
3.
What is said of the birth of the former?
4.
Of the latter?
5.
In the allegory what are these women ?
6.
Which covenant is Agar?
7.
What is characteristic of this covenant?
8.
To what does this Agar correspond?
-
9.
What is the condition of this Jerusalem and her
children?
10.. Of Jei'qrsalem
.
above?
11. Whose children are Christians?
12. What prophecy is thus fulfilled?
.13. In what way are we like Isaac?
14.
How did the child of the flesh treat the child of
the Spirit?
15.
How is it now ?
16, What saith the Scriptures?
30
LESSONS ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT
•
17. What reason is given for this command?
18. What conclusion is drawn?
NOTES.
1.
TnE covenant mentioned by Jeremiah "had ex-
isted by the promise of God since the first intimation of
redemption had been given. It had been accepted by
faith; yet, when ratified by Christ, it is called a new
covenant." "That the new covenant was valid in the
days of Abraham is evident from the fact that it was
then confirmed both by the promise and by the oath of
God." Heb. 6: 17, 18.
2.
IN the new covenant the law is written in the heart
by the Spirit (2 Cor. 3 : 3), just as it was in Christ's heart
(Ps. 40 : 8). The word of God being spirit and life (John
6: C3), when in the heart keeps from sin (Ps. 119: 11),
and establishes the righteous in the way (Ps. 37: 31).
The law of God "is an expression of the
-
will of God,"
"the transcript of the character of God." In Christ this
character was illustrated. "He gave to man a new in-
terpretation of God." He was the Word made flesh
(John 1: 14', and thus, when the law of God is in the
heart, it is Simply Christ in us the hope of glory (Col.
1 : 27).
3.
ISAAC was a child of faith (Heb. 11 : 11), and so of
promise (Rom. 9 : 9). It is only children of promise who
are children of God (verse 8). Such are born of the
Spirit, and through faith become partakers of the divine
nature (2 Peter 1 : 4). These promises are the better prom-
ises (Heb. II : 6), even the promises of God. All who are
now depending upon their own promises merely to obey
God, have been born after the flesh only, and are in
bondage (John 8 : 34). It is our privilege to be free
(verse 32), and as sons to abide in the house ever (verse
35, Revised Version), and not to be cast out (Matt. 22 : 13).
LESSONS, ON THE WORD AND SPIRIT.
33
LESSON XIII.—IVIarteh 25, 1893.
GENERAL REVIEW.
THE WORD.
I. WHAT
is the difference between the word of God
and the-word of man?
2.
Why is Christ called the Word of God?
3.
How is all Scripture given ?
4.
Through whom has it been given?
5.
Who has always done the speaking?
6: How was the work of creation accomplished?
7. How is the true God distinguished from false gods?
.
8. Why has an effort been made to destroy faith in
the literal interpretation of the first chapter of Genesis?
9.
What relation is there between creation and re-
, demption ? Trace the parallel quite fully.
10.
How May we make. a practical application of the
power of God's word as shown in miracles?
'THE SPIRIT.
1. What names are. given to the Holy Spirit?
-
2. To whom does it belong?
3.
What are some of the leading operations of the
Spirit ?
4.
How only can we keep the commandments of God?
5.
What relation is there between the gift of righteous-
ness and the gift of the Spirit?
6.
In what specific results is the Spirit manifested in
.
those who have received it?
7.
What is meant by spiritual bondage?
8.
What birth gives us freedom?
9.
In view of all that.we have learned in these lessons,
can we not say, with a greater fullness of meaning than
ever before, " Blessed-be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who•hath blessed us with all spiritual Mass-
ings in heavenly things in Christ" ?
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